GOM add 3rd dimension to student’s lab experiments

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3D measuring and testing specialists GOM GmbH have launched an international competition inviting proposals for the inspired use of the ATOS desktop 3D scanner. For the competition a student’s lab experiment could involve anything from industrial measuring to product design, and 3DPI certainly see this competition as having great potential for the reverse engineering and rapid prototyping of a product.

An ATOS Triple Scan machine. Cameras on the left & right with a projector in the middle. Photo via: GOM

Inciting interest in 3D metrology

3D scanning for industrial metrology adds another level to figuring out how things work. Instead of scrutinising every inch on an object by eye alone, a 3D scan gives a heightened vision of the chosen object that is capable of being digitally manipulated, annotated and iterated in computer software. It also gives engineers and designers a base to work from, rather than having to redesign, say a car part, each time it needs to be changed.

An example of manipulating a scan made by ATOS Screenshot via: GOM

This ‘digital eye’ of a physical object, forms the basis for the Smart Factories of Industry 4.0, as machines are taught how to ‘see’ what they’re working with, and create digital copies shared with the people running the project. If students were to propose a model for how the ATOS could be used in the ‘factory of the future’, it will no doubt attract the panel’s attention.

Industrial use cases of GOM Metrology Systems include automotive, aerospace, power, transport and medicine industries, who implement scanners for quality control, capturing complex geometries and wind tunnel tests. This competition is intended as a gateway project for students looking to get into areas of engineering or R&D, and will award €3,000 to the winner(s) along with the opportunity to present their project at the 13th GOM 3D Metrology Conference in 2017. Some of this year’s speakers included Felix Mönch of Volkswagen AG, and Jeffrey Spaulding from SRAM racing bicycles, both of whom use GOM scanning technology in their product development.

Beau Jackson is Senior Journalist at 3D Printing Industry. With a longstanding commitment to the site's content, she is credited with producing more articles than any other author in its history. Well-versed in the latest 3D printing research and legal/regulatory challenges, her repertoire spans aerospace, automotive, maritime, medical and creative industries. She is a keen speaker and active representative of the company at key additive manufacturing events.